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Ghanaian commuters should expect higher transport costs starting Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Commercial Transport Operators announce a nationwide 20% fare hike. The decision comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Transport Ministry and transport unions on Monday, June 1, and is largely driven by rising fuel prices and escalating vehicle maintenance costs, which operators say have made current fares unsustainable.
Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), defended the fare adjustment, highlighting the patience of transport operators amid mounting operational challenges.
“Transport operators have been quite magnanimous with all of us. With fuel prices set to rise again on Monday, their operations could become unsustainable if they continue to charge outdated fares,” he told Citi News.
Mr. Amoah emphasized that operators had voluntarily reduced fares when fuel prices fell and argued it is only fair to restore them as costs climb again. He noted that several long-distance bus services have already adjusted their rates, making it increasingly difficult for GPRTU members to maintain old fares.
For commuters, the impact is straightforward: a journey costing GH¢100 will rise to around GH¢120, while a GH¢10 trip will increase to about GH¢12.
While supporting the increase, Mr. Amoah suggested that a 15% rise might have sufficed, acknowledging that the additional 5% likely reflects other rising costs, including insurance and spare parts.
Appiah Adomako Kusi, West Africa Director of CUTS International, also urged the government to allow the fare adjustment, saying it would be unfair to restrict transport operators while fuel importers and the NPA regularly raise prices.
Story by Efua Nessa